Food trends have been around as long as people have had the ability to choose between different things to eat, but the modern, interconnected media has made food trends a viral phenomenon. Once upon a time, it was just a few newspapers and a few select gourmet magazines that were writing about food. Today, it's every single publication.

The quote "Food trends have been around as long as people have had the ability to choose between different things to eat, but the modern, interconnected media has made food trends a viral phenomenon. Once upon a time, it was just a few newspapers and a few select gourmet magazines that were writing about food. Today, it's every single publication." by David Sax explores the evolution of food culture in the age of digital media. Sax acknowledges that while food trends are not new—people have always followed changing tastes and culinary preferences—their visibility and influence have grown exponentially due to the rise of social media, blogging, and online journalism.

David Sax, a journalist and author known for books like The Tastemakers: Why We're Crazy for Cupcakes but Fed Up with Fondue, specializes in examining the intersection of food, culture, and economics. This quote likely comes from his work analyzing how modern media ecosystems amplify food trends, turning once-niche ideas into global sensations. From avocado toast to kale smoothies, what might once have remained a local or gourmet interest now becomes mainstream almost overnight.

The contrast Sax draws between the past—where food journalism was limited to a few elite publications—and the present—where every outlet, influencer, or individual with a smartphone can weigh in on the latest culinary fad—highlights the democratization and acceleration of trend-making. Food media has shifted from expert-driven critique to a viral, crowd-driven dialogue, often shaped by aesthetic appeal, hashtags, and global accessibility.

Ultimately, the quote speaks to the power of interconnected media in shaping not only what we eat, but how we think and talk about food. Sax points out that trends today are not just about taste or tradition—they're about speed, visibility, and shared experiences. The digital age has transformed the food landscape, making it a constantly evolving narrative shaped by both professionals and the public at large.